Mary Louise Watson quietly passed away at the Crozer Taylor Hospital on Tuesday April 23, 2024 following a brief illness. She was 97. She was born Mary Louise Caffrey in Scranton, PA in July 1926 to Helen and Harry Caffrey. Mary had 3 sisters and 3 brothers. She grew up during the great depression and graduated from West Scranton High School in 1944.
Mary loved roller skating and dancing. After high school, Mary met and married Willard Watson who had recently returned from the Pacific where he served in the US Navy during World War II.
Mary and Willard moved from Scranton to Binghamton, NY where they together raised five boys. Along with being a mother and homemaker, Mary found time to volunteer at Saint John’s church and held many part time jobs throughout her life including as a sales person at Montgomery Wards, The Children’s Place, and JC Penney’s where she met Rod Serling, screenwriter and television producer. Mary was also a waitress and brought home autographs of professional football players Pete Gogolak, and Don Maynard which she obtained while waitressing at sportsman dinners at the local country club. This was a treat for her sons.
Mary was a voracious reader and had a vast vocabulary which meant she was great at crossword puzzles and which helped her in writing many poems including personal ones for her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. They will be forever cherished. She was nearly impossible to beat at scrabble. There are stories of other people winning but they may just be tall tales. Her favorite bird was the cardinal and whenever we see one, we will think of her.
Mary was predeceased by her loving husband and best friend of 65 years Willard Watson, and great grandchild, Peyton Watson. Mary is survived by her sons Robert (Dawn) of Binghamton, NY, James (Estelle) of Rio Grande, NJ, Thomas (Alice) of Dillsburg, PA, Joseph (Charity) of Kinzers, PA, and William Watson of Swarthmore, PA.
She is also survived by eight grandchildren, Brian, Kevin (Jennifer), Bobby (Kristin), Denise (Mike), Michael (Shannon), Jessica (Mike), Stacy (Brandon), and Kyle, and thirteen great grandchildren, Kara, Kaylee, Kamryn, Kevin Jr., Justin, Lilly, Hayden, Quintin, Avery, Liam, Jayden, Jaxson, and Lexi.
Calling Hours/Funeral Mass: Relatives and friends are invited to meet at the Immaculate Heart of Mary (IHM) Chapel, 1605 Oram Street, Scranton, PA on Saturday, May 4th. Viewing from 9:00 to 9:30. Gathering in chapel from 9:30-10:30. Funeral Mass at 10:30. Burial will follow the Mass at Cathedral Cemetery, 1708 Oram Street, Scranton, PA. Contributions can be made in memory of Mary Watson (Swarthmore, PA) to the Saint Joseph’s Indian School, 1301 North Main Street, Chamberlain, SD, 57325.